I keep getting names wrong...is it because of my MS?

Here is My Question:
I have 2 sons. Lately, when I try to son 1's name I say son 2's name or vice versa. It only happens when I'm not specifically thinking about saying the correct name. It's super frustrating. Could this be related to RRMS? Only episode I have had is ON in Nov 2015 and am on Extavia. Thanks so much.

Answer:
Mistaking and interchanging children's names is fairly common (and not specific for MS).  You appear to have been recently diagnosed with RRMS and are still in the adjustment period for receiving the diagnosis and processing it.  During that period, you may find it more difficult to concentrate.  I would suggest mentioning this to your neurologist who can determine if there are other cognitive difficulties present (to suggest that this could be MS related).  MS can cause cognitive dysfunction, which typically includes inattentiveness, slowed information processing speed, word-finding difficulties, etc.  However, depression/anxiety (which can co-occur with a new diagnosis of MS) can also produce cognitive disturbance.  Once again, your MS specialist should be able to help with this as well.

Hope this helps.

A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc
Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente